Fire at a generator of a power plant

The fire occurred at the turbine-generator unit of a power plant.
A first hydrogen leakage took place from a 4 bolt flange. It ignited producing a small but intense flame, causing further hydrogen leakage from another component and subsequently a major lube and seal oil fire. No ignition source could be identified.

4-bolt flange, generator cooling system.

The crisis unit and the emergency plan were activated. Internal response teams set up a safety perimeter. It was necessary to install a scaffolding to reach the leaking location. Units were put on standby to isolate and decompress the section. The leak was stopped after 3 hours.
The excess hydrogen produced by the unit was sent to the flare network pending repairs. Leak tests were performed on the isolation valves of the line section. The temporary system was removed, and the leaking valve, which was not required for operation, was removed. The emergency plan 8 hours after the start of the emergency.